Adapting Historic Layouts with Modern Plans: Balancing Old & New
Philadelphia is a city defined by its history. From narrow rowhomes and Victorian twins to early industrial lofts and grand brownstones, much of our built environment dates back decades, or even centuries. While these buildings are full of character, charm, and craftsmanship, their original floor plans were designed for a very different way of living.
Small kitchens tucked away from entertaining spaces, cramped servant staircases, segmented rooms, limited bathrooms, and minimal storage were once the norm. Today, homeowners expect open layouts, flexible work-from-home spaces, generous closets, modern kitchens, and efficient circulation.
So how do you adapt an outdated layout for modern life without erasing what makes a historic building special? Keep reading to find out.
Why Old Floor Plans Feel Outdated Today
Historic layouts often reflect the social norms and technologies of their time. For example:
Compartmentalized rooms: Formal living rooms, parlors, and dining rooms were separated by walls and doors.
Small kitchens: Kitchens were service spaces, not social hubs.
Limited bathrooms: Many older homes were built with one shared bathroom.
Poor circulation: Long hallways, awkward stair placements, or dead-end rooms.
Minimal storage: Closets were not a priority.
Lack of natural light: Narrow buildings and small window openings can feel dark.
Modern lifestyles demand something different, spaces that flow, adapt, and serve multiple purposes.
What “Modernizing” Really Means
Modernizing a historic home does not mean stripping away its soul. The goal isn’t to make it look new, it’s to make it live better.
A thoughtful modernization focuses on:
Improving flow and circulation
Creating functional layouts
Maximizing light and openness
Adding storage and utility spaces
Integrating modern systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Respecting the original architectural character
The best projects don’t feel like compromises; they feel intentional.
Common Strategies for Updating Historic Layouts
1. Selective Wall Removal
Instead of gutting an entire floor, we identify which walls are truly needed structurally and which ones can be removed or modified. This allows for more openness while maintaining the original rhythm of the home.
Why Selective Demolition Matters More Than You Think: Understanding “Grandfathered In” Conditions
One often-overlooked factor in historic renovations is how demolition decisions affect what you’re legally allowed to keep. Many older homes were built under earlier building codes, and if certain elements like narrow hallways or compact staircases were compliant at the time and remain untouched, they can often be grandfathered in.
Once these elements are removed or altered, they typically must be rebuilt to the current code, which often means wider stairs, larger clearances, and more circulation space. These changes can quietly shrink room sizes, reduce storage, or even eliminate the possibility of fitting in an extra bedroom or bathroom.
That’s why we approach demolition selectively. Preserving what’s structurally sound can help maintain usable square footage, protect layout flexibility, and avoid unnecessary code-triggered changes. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult before demo because once something is gone, your options become far more limited.
2. Reworking Circulation
Many older homes have awkward circulation patterns. We often redesign:
Stair placements
Hallway widths
Entry sequences
Kitchen-to-living connections
The goal is to make movement intuitive.
3. Kitchen + Living Integration
Historic homes often hide kitchens in the back. We reimagine these spaces as central gathering areas while still preserving historic proportions and details.
4. Adding Bathrooms + Storage
Modern living requires more bathrooms, closets, and laundry spaces. We strategically insert these into underutilized zones like oversized hallways, former pantries, or back rooms.
5. Light as a Design Tool
We use interior glazing, reconfigured openings, and thoughtful layout shifts to bring light deeper into the home, without altering historic facades.
Understanding Historic Designations in Philadelphia
Before making any changes, it’s critical to know whether your property is considered historic.
What Does “Historic” Mean?
In Philadelphia, a building can be:
Listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
Located in a historic district
Eligible for designation
Each of these categories comes with different rules.
What You Can and Can’t Change
Exterior Restrictions
If your property is designated historic, you typically cannot alter the exterior without approval from the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
This includes:
Windows
Doors
Brickwork
Rooflines
Porches
Cornices
Visible additions
Any exterior change must preserve the original character.
Interior Flexibility
Here’s the good news: Most interior changes are allowed.
You can typically:
Reconfigure floor plans
Remove non-structural walls
Add bathrooms
Redesign kitchens
Upgrade systems
Change finishes
Interior layouts are rarely protected unless the building is exceptionally significant.
This means you can create a modern, functional home inside a historic shell.
How to Check If Your Property Is Historic
Before starting any project, it’s important to verify your building’s status.
You can:
Search the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places
Look up your address on the city’s property database
Check zoning and overlay maps
Contact the Philadelphia Historical Commission
If you’re unsure, this is something we help our clients research early in the process.
Why Design Expertise Matters More in Historic Homes
Renovating a historic home is not like renovating a new build.
You’re working with:
Irregular framing
Uneven floors
Thick masonry walls
Outdated structural systems
Hidden surprises
We design layouts that respond to existing constraints while still delivering modern comfort and clarity.
The Emotional Side of Preservation
Historic homes carry stories. You can often feel it when you walk through them.
Our goal is not to erase that feeling but to translate it into something livable today.
A successful renovation should:
Feel intuitive
Feel intentional
Feel respectful
Feel personal
Not like a copy of a new build.
Modern Living, Historic Soul
One of the most exciting aspects of working in Philadelphia is the opportunity to blend centuries of architectural history with contemporary life.
You don’t have to choose between charm and comfort.
With thoughtful planning, you can have both.
If you’re thinking about renovating a historic home or just curious what’s possible we’re always happy to talk through options, constraints, and ideas.
At Jane Draws Plans, we specialize in translating old spaces into modern homes that still honor their roots.
Great design isn’t about choosing between old and new, it’s about letting them coexist.
